Section 289: Prohibition of killing or beating cows or oxen

1) No person shall do, or cause to be done, any act with the intention of killing, or causing hurt to, any cow or ox.

2) Where any act referred to in sub-section (1) causes the death of any cow or ox, the offender of such offence shall be liable to a sentence of imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years.

3) A person shall be liable to a sentence of imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, if he or she causes grievous hurt to a cow or ox, and to a sentence of a fine not exceeding fifty thousand rupees if other hurt is caused.

4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), if a person does any act necessary to protect from any injury likely to be caused by any cow or ox to the body or life of the person or another person and such act causes the death of, or any harm to, such cow or ox, the person shall not be considered to commit any offence under this Section.